Rangers' Bannister: Gomez will be everyday left fielder

Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister expects newly-signed free agent Carlos Gomez to take over starting duties in left field once he joins the team.

Gomez signed a minor league deal with the club on Saturday, and expects to be game-ready after a short stint with Triple-A Round Rock. The Houston Astros first released him on Friday.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me to go to a team that is in first place in the division and headed to the playoffs,” Gomez told ESPN’s Marly Rivera. “I had a few offers from other teams but I chose the Rangers because I believe it is the team where I can feel most comfortable and develop better since I will be staying in the same division.”

After stumbling to a .210 average this season, with five home runs and 29 RBIs in 85 games, Gomez will join a team with few holes and a comfortable lead in the American League West.

One of the biggest reasons the 30-year-old chose a move to Arlington was his relationship with Carlos Beltran, who was traded to Texas from the New York Yankees at the deadline.

Gomez, who was brought up in the New York Mets organization, met Beltran in 2005, before becoming teammates in 2007.

“Carlos Beltran has been like a father to me; he has always being very supportive of my career,” Gomez said. “When a player like Carlos Beltran speaks on your behalf then I think he believes in that person because I don’t think he would put his reputation on the line if someone is not worth it.”